Generative Technology- Blog #1

I have to admit that I am new to the world of blogs, podcasts, and wiki's. It was interesting to read about the history of blogs because the first time I really remember hearing about them was about two years ago when I was living in New York City and it seemed to become the new "in thing." But they've actually been around since the late 90's. To me, they are a little overwhelming to explore because there is so much information, but as I start to type this (my first blog ever), I begin to understand what everyone has been talking about. It definitely has a therapeutic element to it and I feel like I can really be myself.
Reading through the different blog links and people's entries, I was struck by how they do provide such an expressive outlet for people of all ages. I loved the first grade podcast about the planets and solar system from the Radio Willow Web. They sounded so cute, very engaged, and that they were really learning something through the process. This is one instance where it seems that it would really add value to teaching and capture the imagination- some of the principles of technology integration.
I also enjoyed the conversation with the author, Sue Monk Kidd, who wrote The Secret Life of Bees. I loved that book and it was so cool that students who read it in class could set up a blog with questions and that she would answer back to each one. That makes the learning experience so rich and memorable and I believe that it contributes to establishing a foundation for life-long learning because it is seen as something interactive, engaging, and important. A student can feel that they have worth as a learner when a successful author of a book takes the time to engage in conversation.
A concern I have about blogs is that some people seem to become very reliant on them and likely to sit in front of their computer all day contemplating life over the web. I think it's healthy to get out into nature once in a while and write in a good old fashioned journal and I hope that this practice doesn't completely disappear.
However, I do see so much value in them. I can relate to how they can challenge traditional media outlets and offer alternate points of view. I think they would be invaluable as a teacher in communicating with parents and recapping the lessons of the day. Additionally, children can express themselves and feel that their views about what they are learning are being received by others and valued. I think it would be great to have a class blog for your students only, similar to what we are doing in this class, where they can talk to one another about what they have been learning and what they may be confused about. For younger children this seems like it would be a good exercise if they are not always able to speak up during class and if they feel like they got lost in the craziness of a day.
I look forward to learning more about how to incorporate them into elementary education and to continue to explore all the great examples that are out there. It has opened up a whole new world for me and I can begin to understand what everyone in New York was talking about!